Resume advice: GPA, etc.

[Paleogirl]

Hello all,

I'm a new grad nurse and as I sit here writing my resume I'm wondering if it would be ok to include my GPA? Would it be ok to list my "nursing" gpa in addition to my cumulative GPA? My nursing GPA is 3.9 (includes all classes for the nursing program), but my cumulative GPA is 3.4.

Also, I made Dean's list for one semester during nursing school (didn't make it all semesters because my classes were usually just below full time).......should I include this?

I'm afraid that I don't have a great resume because I'm not only a new grad nurse, but I'm also returning to the workforce after being a stay at home mom for nearly a decade. Prior to this I have no real relevant work experience (an office job, food service, a short term position working as a mentor......that's it).

In regards to references, I'm using 2 of my nursing instructors and I'm also using my preceptor as a reference. Should I get a "general" letter of recommendation from one of my references to add to my portfolio? Or should I only ask if I need it for a specific position?

Also, my number one priority at the moment is finding an employer who will accept a new grad RN, obviously........but I've heard of other grads who took other positions with employers and then applied for RN positions when they opened up. Is this pretty common? Is it frowned upon? Just curious.

I would absolutely love to be a psych nurse, but every position I've seen available so far makes it a point to state that psych experience is preferred and at least some med surg experience is imperative : (

Any advice is appreciated :)

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

Keep your resume to one page, because that's about all most will read before getting bored (and they see lots of resumes, so things get repetitive). Put it on a nice paper--better than just typing paper.

Your GPA overall isn't stellar, so don't include it. The nursing GPA IS stellar. I'd include that, and be sure to say it's your nursing GPA, because most places check transcripts on hiring.

Where I live, employers are hiring new grads. The nursing "shortage" seems to have its ups and downs. Also, you can always apply for a position that "prefers" qualifications you don't have. It never hurts to try. I got my first job in psych, with no experience. It's possible.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

I doubt anyone cares if you even graduated at the bottom of your class. If you graduated and are licensed then you will be considered for a job.

[Paleogirl]

Thank you guys for the advice : )

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I respectfully disagree with the PP re: the importance of GPA. My organization uses GPA as an application criteria for new grad transition programs. This is very common in my part of the country. One large system also requires information from the school's exit exam results as well.